Jones Walker stays the course
AS WE ARE SPENDING more time at home, it seems especially important that our surroundings become more intentional and bring us more joy as our eyes sweep around our living space.
Jones Walker of Taos, which joined the bustling historic Bent Street district three years ago, quickly became a destination gallery for visitors to Taos, but likewise a place where locals can find the pictures they will think of all their lives.
Eschewing the often stodgy caricature of ‘art collector,’ Max Jones and Tony Walker said they have welcomed clients of all ages and backgrounds, from near and far into their gallery. “We send them home with something that’s authentic to and meaningful for them,” said Walker. And, he noted, it’s synergistic: the beauty clients create in their own space helps keeps Taos, the living art colony, a destination to return to again and again.
Perhaps much of their success springs from the ambiance of Jones Walker gallery, which is the antithesis of austere gallery settings that may appear cold and intimidating. Instead, a step through their door is like entering the cozy welcoming home of a dear friend: a fire is blazing, candles are scenting the air, music is playing in the background. Jones is known for scouring local estate sales and fills the space with his carefully curated vintage finds, also available for sale.
“Especially for newcomers to Taos – I’m thinking of all the remote workers from big cities that have moved here and become enamored – we want to help them envision a little bit of Taos magic for their own homes,” Jones explained. (Insider tip: ask them about their professional design services.)
“We feature original works by premier Northern New Mexican artists,” Walker said, noting they are currently representing painters Jim Wagner; Victoria Ryan; Jocelyn Martinez; Peggy McGivern; Ryan Suazo; Nancy Ortenstone; Jeff Cochran; Pierre Delattre; and C. S. Talley. Sculptures, weaving and pottery round out their stellar representation of local artists; and locally crafted home accents and gifts are also available.
The abstract paintings of Jones, who has a devoted following, are also on display as is the award-winning photography of Walker.
With their burgeoning interest in, “original artwork from the soul of the Southwest,” Jones and Walker left Texas several years ago to set down their own roots here and have never looked back.
“My family vacationed in Eagle Nest every summer through my high school years,” Walker recalled. “As hokey as it sounds, I always knew I wanted to live in Taos someday.”
“We had a choice to either renew our business’ lease for five years or let it go,” Walker continued. “After [we made our decision] everything just worked out. Our home sold in a day and we successfully liquidated our business,” a furniture/art gallery and design showroom based in Dallas.
It was simply having faith, Jones added, noting that upon their arrival in
‘You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.’
JOAN MIRO (1893-1983) Regarding his own and art in general
town, the condominium they had been eyeing during visits here came on the market, and the retail space they had always coveted likewise was vacated at the same time.
Now comfortably ensconced in both their dream Taos gallery and home, the partners have turned their focus to being “good neighbors,” as they both like to say.
“This is a world-class art destination, one whose reputation we’re here to respect and build upon,” Walker said. “Part of that is supporting our fellow gallery owners and other businesses in town.” Much like Macy’s and Gimbel’s, if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they will send you where you can find it.
Their business model has clearly worked, as Jones Walker of Taos has escaped much of the financial hardships that have faced businesses throughout the country.
“We’re fortunate to have built a base of repeat business. We’ve become a fun, memorable part of people’s vacation memories, and we hear all the time, ‘We just couldn’t leave Taos without one more visit to you,’” Jones said. “That’s a reward for us in and of itself.”
The partners said such enthusiasm doesn’t undercut the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make their gallery that special place. “We use our social media presence to share information and keep in touch with clients and visitors,” with Walker noting he is the social media guru. “Max keeps our website and online store current. It’s a lot of work for both of us, but during this pandemic it’s been a sure way to stay current with everyone.”
Above all, the gentlemen noted, it is the deep roots of the Taos art colony that bind together everyone who leaves a piece of their heart here. And, in that space you’ve captured the picture you’ll think of for a lifetime.
Jones Walker of Taos is located at 127 Bent Street. Visit joneswalkeroftaos. com for further information or to check hours of operation. You may also call (575) 758-7965 to schedule an off-hours appointment.